Netflix Shares Plunge Over 35% Following Q4 Results Amid Increased WBD Deal Concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 23 2026
0mins
Source: Marketbeat
Netflix's Financial Performance: Netflix reported anticipated Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results, with a 3% stock decline following a significant drop from its mid-2025 peak, reflecting souring investor sentiment.
Sales and Earnings: The company achieved $12.05 billion in sales, an 18% increase, and adjusted earnings per share of 56 cents, exceeding expectations and indicating a potential growth rate of around 13% for 2026.
Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition: Netflix's planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is seen as a strategic move to accelerate growth, despite concerns over the financial strain and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the deal.
Market Sentiment and Stock Outlook: Analysts express caution regarding Netflix's future earnings and acquisition strategy, with the stock trading at a low forward P/E ratio, suggesting it may be undervalued despite uncertainties in the streaming market.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy WBD?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on WBD
Wall Street analysts forecast WBD stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for WBD is 24.98 USD with a low forecast of 14.75 USD and a high forecast of 30.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
14 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
9 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 27.600
Low
14.75
Averages
24.98
High
30.00
Current: 27.600
Low
14.75
Averages
24.98
High
30.00
About WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. is a global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes a portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. The Company's segments include Studios, Networks and DTC. Studios segment primarily consists of the production and release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, production and initial licensing of television programs to its networks/DTC services as well as third parties, distribution of its films and television programs to various third party and internal television and streaming services, distribution through the home entertainment market, and others. Networks segment primarily consists of its domestic and international television networks. DTC segment primarily consists of its premium pay-TV and streaming services. Its brands and products include Discovery Channel, Max, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Warner Bros., and Cartoon Network.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Barry Diller Expresses Interest in Acquiring CNN
- Acquisition Interest: Media mogul Barry Diller approached Warner Bros. Discovery last year regarding a potential acquisition of CNN, although no serious actions were taken, indicating his ongoing interest in the network.
- Financial Outlook: Warner Bros. disclosed that CNN's revenue is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2026, with expectations of growing to $2.2 billion by 2030, highlighting the network's profitability and market potential.
- Market Valuation: Analysts currently value CNN at approximately $4 billion, reflecting its significant position in the media landscape and potential attractiveness to investors.
- Strategic Hurdles: Warner Bros. is reluctant to divest CNN due to existing carriage agreements with cable providers and potential high tax liabilities, suggesting that the acquisition process may encounter complex legal and financial obstacles.
Continue Reading
Tesla's Robo-Taxis Without Safety Drivers Launch in Texas
- Robo-Taxi Launch: Tesla has launched its robo-taxis without safety drivers in Austin, Texas, marking a significant advancement in its autonomous driving technology, although it still trails competitors like Waymo, indicating Tesla's ongoing commitment to innovation in this space.
- Insurance Cost Reduction: Tesla's partnership with Lemonade introduces a pay-per-mile insurance product that offers a 50% discount when full self-driving is activated, alleviating financial burdens for users and enhancing the market appeal of Tesla's autonomous driving services.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Despite advancements, analysts note that Tesla does not hold an absolute lead in the autonomous driving market, suggesting that future competition will be more intense, particularly regarding safety and technological maturity.
- Subscription Model Challenges: Tesla's introduction of a $100 monthly subscription for full self-driving raises potential revenue but faces challenges in consumer acceptance, especially as other manufacturers offer more standard features without additional costs.
Continue Reading